FWC to host freshwater turtle harvest workshop

FWC to host freshwater turtle harvest workshop

NOVEMBER 18, 2008 - The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will host a public workshop in Tampa Thursday to gather input on Florida’s freshwater turtle harvest.

The FWC will collect information from turtle experts, including scientists and fishermen, and from concerned residents regarding a long-term plan for their harvest. The meeting will be 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Tampa Port Authority Board Room, 1101 Channelside Dr.

Concerns over increased demand for freshwater turtles led the FWC to consider what impact the harvest has on the species.

The FWC recently enacted a new rule, restricting the harvest to five turtles per day per person. Fishermen with a commercial license may take an additional 15 Florida softshell turtles per day, for a total of 20.

The FWC passed the rule to protect freshwater turtle populations while it develops a long-term comprehensive strategy for sustainable use and conservation of amphibian and reptile populations. Recent reports of unusually large freshwater turtle harvest coincide with reports that the demand for freshwater turtles as food and pets has increased.

"We expect to bring the strategy for freshwater turtles back to the Commission in the next year," FWC scientist Bill Turner said. "We will continue discussions with the public, turtle experts and fishermen until we decide on the best management plan."

The public is invited to attend and provide information and engage in an open discussion of the pertinent information.

The FWC is specifically seeking information from anyone with first-hand knowledge of the harvest.